Archive for September, 2017

The other day I got bombed. It scared me half to death. Fortunately, I recovered quickly enough that I kept the truck on the road. It did take me a moment or two, however, to figure out exactly what had happened. As I was driving along …( read more )

Once, I watched a drama unfold on the diving tower of an indoor swimming pool. A group of children were on the high tower taking turns trying to outdo one another. You name it, they tried it! These young buddies were performing for each …( read more )

An atheist friend once remarked to me that Christianity is destructive because it produces passivity. Yet a cursory glance at the achievements of strong believers down the centuries easily proves otherwise. Nevertheless, my friend raises a …( read more )

When I read this psalm, it reminds me of how the Lord has been my guardian through so much tragedy in my life, including losing my parents at an early age, and suffering from chronic illness. It touches my heart because I am never alone …( read more )

Preaching has always been at the heart of the Christian church ever since it was established. The good news of the gospel has been proclaimed in more and more nations in every generation since the time of Christ sending out His disciples. …( read more )

In our rural area, street lights can be found in some small communities, but not all. Individual families do have security lights planted somewhere in their farm or yard, but otherwise, when the sun dips behind the horizon, the …( read more )

As someone who generally likes to be in control, I have sometimes found it hard to let go and trust God to handle it. This is especially so when there seems to be no quick, easy, or beneficial solution to a situation, only a long-term …( read more )

Although I usually park my sport utility vehicle parallel to the garage, on this day, I parked further away from the garage than normal. Hopping out of the vehicle, to the left of my foot, I noticed a glimmer of gold — my ankle bracelet, …( read more )

My arms were full, and I didn't know whether or not I could make it to the car. At 14 years of age, I began my first real job: bagging groceries at the local Piggly Wiggly® grocery store. Though I had helped my grandfather on the ice …( read more )

Yes, it's true, it's God's battle, but there is a "but"! No, I am not trying to rewrite the Bible — but there is a "but"! At our children's drama camp, the story was based on the Old Testament biblical book of Esther. Our particular …( read more )

As a long-time pastoral care volunteer at the local Long Term Care Facility, I have had occasion to comfort residents who were having a tough time coping, either mentally, physically, or spiritually, which I have always done to the best of …( read more )

During the spring and summer seasons, the livestock are able to emerge from their corral each morning and graze upon the land. How they love their new freedom and the moist green shoots and foliage — such delicious fare, compared to …( read more )

Recently, I watched a wonderful video presentation by Louie Giglio, pastor of Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. His message clearly demonstrated how nature itself, from the heavens to the great deep, is literally singing …( read more )

Occasionally, I purchase an item which I neither need nor want. Afterwards, I hit myself on the head and wonder how I could be so dimwitted. The explanation is simple: Such dimwitted impulses happen when I am shopping under the influence …( read more )

Now being 85, I have been busy writing my latest book on the story of my life. In so doing, I have recognized that the basic force that has guided me all my life is the love of God moving in my soul. John puts it clearly: It is obvious …( read more )

I think that this must have been the best wine ever produced in history. Why? Because the person who miraculously made it was Jesus, so He would make it the most perfect wine ever. It wouldn't be mediocre or some of the cheap stuff folks …( read more )

My sister-in-law and family recently had my children for a sleepover so that we could clear up the caravan on our return from our holiday. Whilst I was glad to have the time to mothball the caravan, I missed my children. As a …( read more )

Being around something or someone that I'm scared of is not my favourite thing to do. I have had fears of both real and imaginary threats. My fear was based in reality when bears entered a fellow camper's campsite and devoured their food …( read more )

Recently, I lost my wedding ring. For over 43 years, it had seldom been off my finger, but at the end of that day, I looked at my hand and felt my stomach knot. Having already been evacuated once this summer by a forest fire, I had spent …( read more )

For the past 25 years or so, I have been a pastoral care volunteer at the local Long Term Care facility. During that time, I have led Bible discussions and worship services when needed. Because of my involvement, I have met many people who …( read more )

Have you ever wondered how you escaped a car accident with only a scratch, whereas it could have been so much worse? I have, on many occasions. There were times, while driving my car, when I changed the radio station or inserted a music …( read more )

I bought a spare chair a while ago. It sits in a corner of my kitchen, and for the most part, it doesn't do a lot. It came with a lovely, handwoven, green chair pad, which the cats really enjoy lounging on. I do stand upon it at times to …( read more )

A few days ago, I attended a funeral for the father of a woman with whom I used to work. This woman's family doesn't live near me, so it was quite a long drive to get to the funeral; the return trip was about 730 kilometres (450 miles). It …( read more )

Have you come to a point in your life as a Christian where you feel that you can give no more to the Lord's work? You feel spent. You've given and given, but not enough is given back to replenish you. More is expected from you — in time, …( read more )

One evening before bedtime, I was watching a Christian program on television when the feed for it was cut off. After trying to fix it, things got worse, and I got only one channel to watch. I was sure that I had messed up the television by …( read more )

Like most people, I never really gave much thought to the ark of the covenant until I saw the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, which starred Harrison Ford in the lead role of Indiana Jones. The excitement of that film captivated me …( read more )

Many of us are familiar with today's verses, or if not, then the sentiment that they convey, namely, that God looks after His own, who are in His kingdom. In times of trouble, we can spiritually and mentally run into His presence and …( read more )

Over the past few years, DNA testing has become very popular. As I went off to a genealogical conference this year, a couple of people at my church asked me to bring them home kits for testing their DNA. Many of us are aware of the hype …( read more )

Tragedy had struck. What could I say? As a minister, I've watched people endure their share of tragedy. A husband whose wife decided to drive drunk, leading to the death of their small child. A father whose daughter was innocently riding …( read more )

When I study the Bible for the activities that I am involved in, my mind quite often wanders to an event which happened in my life, either recently or a long time ago. This happened when I was studying the Parable of the Weeds. While I …( read more )

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Verse for Today

Revelation 3:14, 20 – These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. … "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (NIV)